This is page numbers 1135 - 1164 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 7th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was report.

Topics

Lack Of Federal Preparation Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1138

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also stand today to talk about Bill C-68. Last month, my constituents were visited and they were not informed beforehand of the visit. We were only told by fax a few hours before they were coming. It was only the day before that we were informed that people from the federal government were visiting my constituents. (Translation ends)

There is a concern that Bill C-68 is going to adversely affect a lot of people in the Northwest Territories. I'm afraid that since the officials from the federal Department of Justice have visited some communities, now they can say they have consulted. They have not consulted. When they went to my constituency, they did not let me or the community know ahead of time. I learned by accident. The Member for Iqaluit was in Iqaluit at the time and he learned that the officials from the department were going to Igloolik. He contacted our Clerk and, fortunately, our Clerk was able to contact me to tell me the officials were going to Igloolik the next day. It was unfortunate that they didn't have the courtesy to let the people and me know they were coming in.

They have not consulted in terms of seeking input from the people of the Northwest Territories. The bill, if it becomes law, will have a profound impact on hunters.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.

Lack Of Federal Preparation Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1138

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The honourable Member for Amittuq is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Allooloo.

Lack Of Federal Preparation Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

June 5th, 1995

Page 1138

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, the bill would have an adverse impact on the people of the Northwest Territories. For instance, if the proposed bill goes ahead, it would be virtually impossible for me to loan a gun to my friend or to my family home in Pond Inlet so they could go hunting. Before I did that, I would have to get a permit from Yellowknife so that my friend and family could take possession of my gun and go hunting. This practice would unnecessarily affect kids who are learning how to hunt.

If I did anything to contradict the act, it would make me a criminal. It would make many of my constituents, whose practices are safe but which go against the act, criminals, which otherwise they would not be.

Mr. Speaker, I would urge everyone in the Northwest Territories, especially the Legislative Assembly, to continue to pursue making changes to Bill C-68. Thank you.

---Applause

Lack Of Federal Preparation Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1138

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had not planned to make a Member's statement today, other than on Bill C-68. However, as a result of Mr. Lewis's Member's statement, I just couldn't sit here, Mr. Speaker, and listen to some of the words that were directed to the Member for Iqaluit, my colleague from the Baffin. I have no particular problems with the individual who has been mentioned many times in this House.

Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Lewis indicated to this House, this individual has contributed quite a bit in tax dollars to Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform this House that this individual has a property leased to the government in one of my communities in my riding. It is good that Yellowknife benefits, but what about our regions and communities, Mr. Speaker?

I think the Member for Iqaluit has every right to question this government if we feel, on this side, that things are not being carried out properly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Transportation is preparing to upgrade the runway at the Pelly Bay Airport this summer. The project will lengthen the runway to 5,000 feet, and allow the runway to be certified by Transport Canada. The project also includes new airfield lighting and a new terminal building planned for next year. We are thankful to the Department of Transportation, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

John Ningark Natilikmiot

I'm not finished yet.

---Laughter

However, Mr. Speaker, there is a problem with the project. While work is proceeding on the runway, the airline that serves Pelly Bay will not be able to use the whole runway for some part of the summer. They will only be able to use 2,500 feet of the runway. First Air has been using a Hawker Siddley 748 to serve Pelly Bay, and Ptarmigan Airways has been using a Gulf Stream Combi, but these planes will not be able to fly into Pelly Bay while the construction is going on. Since the usable part of the runway won't be long enough, both airlines will have to use Twin Otters to connect their regular flights. This will cause delays, missed connections, inconvenience to passengers and airfreight customers, and extra work and expense for the hamlet.

I understand that both First Air and Ptarmigan Airways have asked the Minister of Transportation to provide financial compensation for the extra expenses which will result from this construction. I trust the Minister and his department will find a way to compensate these airlines during the project. These airlines work hard to service the people of Natilikmiot and they are making every effort to provide my constituents with the best possible service.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Minister will agree with me that they should be encouraged to continue to provide the best possible service. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne.

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're in the final months of the 12th Legislative Assembly. The election coming up on October 16th will begin the official countdown to the division of the Northwest Territories. Once that happens, that decision is irreversible. It's something like Humpty Dumpty; all the king's horses and all the king's men could never put the Northwest Territories together again.

---Laughter

Many people have worked for 20 years or more to achieve this momentous feat of creating Nunavut. We in the west offer our best wishes to the people of Nunavut as they embark on this huge endeavour. However, there are massive logistical problems to overcome before 1999. I think to all of us, the ever-diminishing federal funding is of grave, grave concern. The federal government and we must remember that we're not just creating Nunavut, we're creating two new territories here in the old Northwest Territories.

I know that the Government of the Northwest Territories is undertaking a lot of work in preparation for division. I sit as a Member on the division committee. We've met a few times and acted as a sounding board, but we don't have the mandate or the resources to actually do the preparation. However, I hope we've provided some useful advice in the course of the last few months. The division of assets and liabilities is going to be very tricky and it's going to be a very, very tough job.

Changes in the structures of governments in both east and west are causing a lot of concern to a lot of the civil servants who have worked for many years for the Government of the Northwest Territories. I think it is very important to clearly state for the record that both the new Nunavut government and the new western government have a moral responsibility to retain as many of our present employees as possible. If the numbers overall are reduced, then there should be fair compensation packages and adequate lead times for any employees who won't be kept. I strongly believe that a system should be put in place early in the life of the new government to ensure that our GNWT employees, both east, west, headquarters, regional and community, are fairly treated; and, as I say, with enough lead time to minimize negative effects on them, their spouses and on their families. Most of them have made a long and sincere commitment to the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, could I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Ballantyne.

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Mr. Speaker, those of us who have worked with government and in government for many years know how important a loyal, dedicated, hard-working civil service is to ourselves, as politicians. I think it can't be overstated that if we want strong successful governments, both

in the west and in Nunavut, we must treat our present employees fairly. If we plan it properly and do it early, we should have no problem achieving what that very important objective. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudluk.

Healing Workshop In Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1140

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to rise today and say that on May 11th, 12th and 13th there was a healing workshop in Resolute Bay, and it was mainly directed to the people who were relocated between 1953 and 1955 from Inukjuak and Pond Inlet. There was a healing workshop for those people. It was not directed to just those particular people, but there were other people who were also invited up to our community.

During the workshop, the participants who were involved numbered 40 to 50 people. It helped a lot for those who were sexually assaulted when they were much younger, and the people who were relocated to Resolute Bay. Both those types of people held a healing workshop, even though it was only for three days. The people who assisted with the workshop came from other communities. I wish to thank those people who were courteous enough to assist with the workshop. The people realized what kinds of problems existed back then.

Those three days were very meaningful, and the people were able to return to their communities healed. If this kind of workshop continues in the future, then it's less doubtful that we would have a better future. Those people who have thought about committing suicide were also involved at that workshop. I am sure the number of suicides would decrease if those kinds of workshops were held in the communities, because they are supported from different communities and this was very helpful. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Healing Workshop In Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1140

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Pudluk. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Poor Consultation Of Gun Control Task Force
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1140

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week I held a constituency meeting. A lot of the issues that came up at this meeting were a lot of the top issues that I've been confronted with in the last little while and at that meeting was the proposed gun legislation that is being fielded by the Honourable Allan Rock in Ottawa. I don't think there's a day that goes by that we don't hear on the news some criticisms of this bill -- or some praise of it, mind you -- but, to the large part, the concerns the citizens have of this bill, people of the Northwest Territories, are going unheard. I know there is a very strong lobby to assist Mr. Rock in getting this bill through the House in Ottawa. There is some pretty heavy-handed stuff going on, as well. Members of Parliament are not going to be able to speak their minds on it, for fear of losing whatever

positions they may hold within the government. This, Mr. Speaker, is certainly not the way, in our opinions, to go.

A couple of months ago, there was a public meeting held here in Yellowknife. Believe me, I've never seen such a blatant misuse of the public's time. They talked about consultation but when it came to talking about gun legislation, it was time for Mr. Rock to leave, and he did. People were outraged at the fact that he said he was in Yellowknife and listened to what the people had to say, when he didn't. Last month, we were in the Baffin and Keewatin and while we were there on other business, we met the people from Ottawa, a task force going around the north asking the public's opinion on this. No one knew they were even there. They didn't even know what they were doing in the Keewatin. People were very surprised. Mind you, people rallied to get to that meeting and told them what they thought of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, may I seek consent to continue?

Poor Consultation Of Gun Control Task Force
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1140

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Whitford.

Poor Consultation Of Gun Control Task Force
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1140

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, colleagues, Mr. Speaker. What has prompted me to rise on this issue, Mr. Speaker, is the fact that they are saying they are consulting when they are going around talking to the public about the gun legislation. If the examples that I cited -- the meetings in Yellowknife, the Baffin and the Keewatin -- are any example of what consultation means, then I think we're in serious trouble. Because, in my opinion, that is not the way you consult people: letting people know at the last minute that there is a group to ask their opinion, without informing them so they could be prepared. Mind you, the people who were there rallied to make presentations and they made good presentations, right from the heart.

I don't know whether those concerns were ever taken back to Ottawa and related, about how this legislation would affect people in the north. Here, we show great respect for guns as tools and as a way of living. There are areas where Mr. Rock is on track with his legislation, where it deals with assault weapons and things of that nature. But, here in the north, guns are everyday implements, much the same as tools are to farmers. If restrictions are put in the way to cause law-abiding citizens to become criminals next year, or whenever Bill C-68 is enacted, then I think something is wrong. I think we have to speak out and make sure the government hears what we're saying.

I know Members have already spoken about a number of these things, and I just hope they are going to be listened to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Poor Consultation Of Gun Control Task Force
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1140

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On May 27th, I had the privilege of addressing the 14 graduating students from the Chief Jimmy Bruneau Regional High School in Rae-Edzo. This is the second year, Mr. Speaker, in which the grade 12 program has been offered at the JBRHS.

The graduating ceremony was well-attended. The graduating students received a great deal of support from many people, especially from their parents. The encouragement given by the parents for their children to go to school to get a good education is very important, and this was obvious with these graduates. The students also received a lot of support from their teachers, the local CEC and the divisional board of education.

Today, Mr. Speaker, with the changes both here in the north and around the world, completing grade 12 is a good stepping stone, but it should not be the end. We have to continue to encourage these students and others to pursue paths towards college or trades training, something that will both interest and challenge them and let them contribute to their communities.

To the graduates and all the people who helped them get to this important milestone, congratulations and best wishes for whatever road you choose to travel ahead. Mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Koe.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment questions about the student financial assistance program. The Minister indicated that the information and terms of reference were sent to Members. I received my package this morning. The Minister indicated that he would like our advice on this proposal and the terms of reference, so I would like to take this opportunity to give my comments and suggestions.

The review is quite timely and I believe it is dictated by the huge demands and less money. From what I read in the documents, there are strong indications that there will probably be cutbacks, reductions or some significant changes to how benefits are allocated to the students. It always seems that when cutbacks are being contemplated, this government seems to hire consultants so they can give us the bad news. But when good news and increases in services and programs are made, the Ministers or deputy ministers are always front and centre.

As I mentioned, the review is timely and we do need a proper evaluation of the program. I, and I'm sure other Members of this House, get lots of calls from students and they mainly complain about the benefits and the timeliness of their payments.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Koe, your time is up. Mr. Koe.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.